Cotonou, on the Gulf of Guinea is Benin's chief seaport and commercial center. At the beginning of the 19th century, Cotonou was a small fishing village dominated by the powerful Kingdom of Dahomeywith its elite corps of Amazon warriors. In the 19th century it became a French trading enclave and colony. In the city, view the Cotonou Friendship Stadium, the Cotonou Cathedral with its distinctive striped exterior , Cotonou Central Mosque and Dantokpa Market offering goods and produce from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. A familiar feature of the city is the motorcycle-taxis known as Zémidjans. Memorable excursions include a cruise across Nokoue Lake to the traditional village of Ganvie; a royal reception with the king of Abomey or a tour of Benin's captivating capital city of Porto-Novo.